Some West Nile Sites

An impressive 3 year study of the ecology of West Nile Ecology using GIS for Spatial Disease Research and Surveillance

Brian Altonen‘s insight:

The various maps I produced for west nile research during its first 4 to 5 years of penetration into the U.S. are depicted by the following map’ The pins on this map serve as links to the images/maps provided about each of the points, areas or regions reviewed.

A handheld photosensor was used to evaluate the relation of sunlight penetration through tree canopy cover to ground surface, in order to realte this to overall species types and densities captured at these traps.

late in 2002, aerial photos were used to predict/define positive testing site features and the likelihood for return of a positive testing vector the following Spring (it returned, which proved that local species carriers could exist and survive the overwinter).

Field analyses and GPSing were used to develop the site ecology, water, canopy and trap information for a positive testing human case of unknown origins. A DEM analysis of a creek floodplain and ravines was used to document species in relation to elevation.

The two major GIS options were used to produce both the vector and raster products.

This work later resulted in my receiving an award for this presentation of several of its components in 2006.